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Glite Dictionary
threshold function

threshold function

8.5
A function that gives 1 when an input is above a fixed number and 0 when not
  • noun
  • /ˈθrɛʃhoʊld ˈfʌŋkʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : función umbral
  • A simple threshold function returns 1 if its input exceeds the value of five.

Examples

  • The threshold function is widely used in neural networks to determine activation.

  • Researchers analyzed how changing the threshold function affected classification performance.

  • The threshold function determines whether the input is valid.

  • Can you explain the threshold function to me?

  • A simple threshold function returns 1 if its input exceeds the value of five.

  • The threshold function is widely used in neural networks to determine activation.

  • Researchers analyzed how changing the threshold function affected classification performance.

Synonyms

threshold operation
vsthreshold function
  • Specialized
6.6

A process that checks values against a set level and marks which values meet it

produces a binary output based on whether a computed value exceeds a set limit

Surface Forms

threshold function singular
threshold functions plural

Morphology

threshold + function

The compound is a straightforward combination of 'threshold' (a point/level) and 'function' (a mapping), so its meaning — a function that tests whether a value passes a threshold — is directly inferable from the constituents. This compositional pattern is common in technical English and would be understandable in general terms to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

The term threshold function comes from the simple image of a doorway. The threshold is the step you cross and the function is like a switch that turns a light 'on' only when something passes that step, so a threshold function returns '1' when the input goes past the set limit and '0' otherwise.